Antigua and Barbuda, two of the most beautiful countries in the Caribbean that feature rare natural beauty. With a population of just over 100,000 it has, since gaining independence in 1981, transformed itself into one of the Caribbean’s more successful stories. It has moved from an agriculture based economy where it once depended on sugar as the dominant factor and is now one of the Caribbean’s most visited set of islands; it has developed a tourism industry that is successful, brought about the development of the country, and has expanded itself into Offshore Financial Services.
Antigua and Barbuda’s reliance on tourism has however made the nation vulnerable to a downturn in that market, as was experienced during the COVID pandemic, where most of the Caribbean countries and their tourism industry suffered significantly and had a tremendous impact on those areas that in the past provided Antigua Barbuda with a strong economy. But Antiguans have through the years demonstrated a strong sense of exploring new ways to provide development for the country. Antigua and Barbuda saw a very profitable industry in online gambling and was at the forefront in developing that in the Caribbean and employing more than 4000 people. It was a major contributor to the growth of the economy.
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It is paradoxical to say that the United States who has encouraged Caribbean countries to diversify their economy, in the case of Antigua, that country questioned the United States, an industrialized country that spoke loudly about the importance of respecting democratic principles at home, failed to live up to the same identical standard abroad.
As Antigua/ Barbuda became the victim of unacceptable behavior by the rich and powerful United States; there were financial and legal obligations that the United States had to live up to with Antigua and Barbuda, and refused to do so. The case was taken to the World Trade Organization and even when that Organization found it in favor of Antigua, Washington consistently declined to settle the damages, thus denying the country the money it could use for education, to upgrade its health system and to spend on climate change and other areas of development, and that fallout continues today.
But Prime Minister Dr. Gaston Brown continues to chart a strong voice within the region for Antigua/Barbuda; a voice in climate change he’s been quite outspoken on reparations for slavery and general economic development. So Antigua is playing a very strong role in the region and has been moving the country in a forward position consistently. Antigua has made it a policy over the years to engage the diaspora, particularly in New York, and they have made their mark in a significant contribution they have made, and they have celebrated this connection to their diaspora with a wonderful building in Harlem that represents Antigua and Antigua House, and the connection between the countries of Antigua and the diaspora.
So, Antigua is moving aggressively to restore the vibrancy of its economy, and the population of Antigua is a determined and industrial population with very strong roots in the diaspora. And so the future looks very strong for Antigua/ Barbuda as they celebrate their 42nd year of independence. We can only encourage them to continue this strong connection with the diaspora and the region as they celebrate their independence and their movement forward. Happy Independence Antigua/ Barbuda
